Saima's Backyard: A Breath of Fresh Air

Pemberton’s weather, the silence, bungalows on the hills, few schools in the region and open landscape - a small town in the valley surrounded by trees- is serene.

Four days of New Year holiday was like returning back to my childhood. Anyways, let me start with how it all got planned. At the park, Sofie (a friend of mine) suggested few places considering my dilemma to plan at the last moment. She quickly said, ‘Esperance [721km] or Denmark [414km] or even Pemberton, it’s beautiful’. It was extremely difficult to get accommodation at this peak season and that to a dog friendly one but how lucky can I be. I got the only room left at Gloucester Motel though I wanted a cottage (beggars can’t be choosers).

www.gloucestermotel.com.au

On July 2007 Australian Traveller lists some of the country's less picturesque townships... Pemberton was 3^rd on the list.

“Deep in the forests of south-west WA, Pemberton is eerie-scary. There’s a sense of something sinister below the surface. Stephen King, come on down. Have we got a locale for you! King can do the screenplay and David (Blue Velvet) Lynch can direct. Anyone else see the creepy parallels between Pemberton and Lumberton? Dennis Hopper would be right at home. Climb the 60m-high Gloucester tree at the edge of town, admire the sweep of lush vineyards and majestic forest that Bunnings has yet to cut down, pick your faraway spot and head for the hills.”

The town is nothing like the way it’s been projected in the magazine. In fact, it is exactly the opposite.

There are ample of things to do, see and feel at Pemberton and the surrounding areas that the Australian Traveller writer could not.

The drive itself is picturesque and if you plan well you can see a lot of other small towns near Pemberton.

Map

Donnybrook: is a town of Apple (not my dog). The first Granny Smith apple tree was planted here.
Bridgetown: you get to see some of the old buildings.
Yornup: is a mill town.
Manjimup: is a timber town. You can see a timber museum, ‘Manjimup Timber Park’. Native flowers and cherry festival during December. While strolling in the museum park I saw a snake next to my bridge in the bush.
Northcliffe: is a farming town. I had a Good cup of coffee at Hollow Butt Café but of course it is a town of Bannister Downs Dairy Farm.
Windy Harbour: is like a bohemian settlement 27km drive from Northcliffe. At this south coast, you can do activities such as fishing, snorkeling, swimming and a walk towards a limestone cliff at Point D’Entrecasteaux.
Walpole: Few things to see: Fernhook falls (BBQ and camping), scenic drive, tree top walk that is 40m from the ground. Mandalay and Bellanger beach, Circular Pool forming swirling whirlpool and other amazing activities